Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors and Prevention

Everyone has a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes which is the most common type of diabetes. These are a few factors that can raise your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes and pre-diabetes can cause serious health problems. The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or even delayed. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to develop health problems, so delaying diabetes by even a few years will benefit your health greatly.

How can I lower my chances of developing type 2 diabetes?

1. Lose weight if you are overweight

2. More physical exercise- get at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 times a week.

Ask your health care professional about what other changes you can make to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

What should I do if my health care professional told me I have pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal levels but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Having pre-diabetes is serious because it raises your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

If you find out you are pre-diabetic, you can lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Lose weight if necessary, integrate more physical exercise, and follow a reduced-calorie eating plan. If you are at a high risk for the disease, your doctor may recommend taking medication to hold the diagnosis off.

12 factors that make type 2 diabetes more prevalent:

1. Diabetes runs in your family. If you have a relative who has it, your chances rise. But you can take action through everyday lifestyle habits, like exercise and healthy eating, to lower your odds of following in their footsteps.

2. You have pre-diabetes. That means your blood sugar level is above normal but you don't have it yet. To keep it away, get more active and lose extra weight.

3. You are not physically active. It is never too late to change that!

4. You are overweight, especially around your waist. Not everyone with type 2 diabetes is overweight, but extra pounds make you more likely to get the condition. Belly fat is particularly risky.

5. You have had a heart disease

6. You have high blood pressure

7. Your good cholesterol (HDL) level is low. It is too low if it is less than 40 mg/dl

8. Your triglyceride level is high. It is too high if it is over 150 mg/dl

9. You have had diabetes during pregnancy before, or delivery of a baby over 5kg. These both increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.

10. You are a woman who has poly cystic ovary syndrome.

11. You are 45 or over. The change of getting type 2 diabetes rises with age but diabetes is not a normal part of aging.

12. If you are Hispanic, African-American, Native American or Asian American. Diabetes is prominent with these ethnic groups.

Get a blood test done today to see where your glucose falls on the glycemic index! And do not forget to use Spike as your diabuddy to remind you of important insulin moments !